Maui poets to compete in National Poetry Slam

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WAILUKU, Maui (KHNL) - For the first time in three years, a team of poets from Maui will compete in the National Poetry Slam in Madison, Wisconsin.

Maui SLAM! is sending four of Hawaii's top spoken-word poets to compete in the annual championship tournament, where 84 poetry teams from all over the U.S. and Europe gather to compete for the national title.

"Here on Maui, we have a diverse range of work, including heartfelt love poetry, searing social commentary, uproarius comic routines and bittersweet confessional pieces," said Chela Coennan, Maui SLAM! co-producer.

Poetry slams are competitive events where poets perform their original work. They are judged by members of the audience, who give numerical scores based on content and performance.

Funds are being sought to send Maui's team of four to the competition.

A Friday Fundraising Showcase Series is scheduled for each Friday at Gallerie Ha in Wailuku from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Donations can be made through Poetry Slam Inc.

For more information on Maui SLAM! call (808) 268-4487 or click on the MauiSLAM! link.

In 2015, the Federal government passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, allowing states to limit the amount of time that students take standardized tests. A similar bill is traveling through the Hawaii legislature.

In 2015, the Federal government passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, allowing states to limit the amount of time that students take standardized tests. A similar bill is traveling through the Hawaii legislature.